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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (June 17, 2021)
City News June 17 2021 5 Vernonia City News... At the June 7, 2021 City Council Meeting: Only Three Councilors Attend Meet- ing – The City Council only had three members present at the June 7 meeting, because a seat remains vacant since the resignation of Councilor Lorna Poetter has not been filled and Councilor Dale Webb was absent. Council To Begin Meeting In-Person – Council approved a plan to begin meet- ing in-person, beginning at the June 21 meeting. The City has purchased cam- eras and mic equipment to allow citi- zens to continue attending remotely if they choose. Mayor Attempts to Add Funding to Budget at Last Minute – At the start of the meeting Mayor Rick Hobart at- tempted to add an item to the agenda for the consideration of funding for a golf cart for the park host at Vernonia Lake. Mayor Hobart was reminded by Finance Director that the Budget Committee had already approved a recommended final budget and that budget was scheduled to be adopted by the Council at this meet- ing and told Hobart it would have to go through a Supplemental Budget process at a later date. Council Approves Budget – Follow- ing a Public Hearing where there was no public testimony, Council voted 2-1 to adopt Resolution 2021-11, approving the budget for the 2021-22 fiscal year, with Councilor J.R. Allen voting no, be- cause of the proposed Library Budget. Council Approves CZ Trail Sign – Council voted 3-0 to approve the pre- sented “Welcome Sign” that will be installed at the CZ Trail trailhead at the corner of Adams Avenue and Maple Street. Council Approves Placement of Com- munity Piano – Council heard and ap- proved a proposal from Corrie Aiuto to place a decorated piano in the City owned courtyard space next to Blue House Café during summer weather to be used by random passersby. Aiuto said the plan and location was not final- ized, but wanted City approval in case the courtyard ended up being the best spot. Council Schedules Work Session to Discuss ARPA Funding – Council scheduled a work session for Monday, July 8 at 6:30 pm to discuss how the City will spend the approximately $460,000 the City is expected to receive from the American Rescue Plan Act. Topics From the Floor – City Recorder Stephanie Borst read a letter from an anonymous resident who complained about the condition of a property on Birch Street and asked that the property be cleaned up. Staff notified Council that the City Code Enforcement Officer is addressing the issue. City Recorder Borst read a let- ter from Ashley Cole asking that offen- sive graffiti under the bridge over Rock Creek be removed or covered. Cole also stated she would like to see sidewalks Vernonia Police Blotter June 1-14, 2021 Reports Taken/Arrests • June 6, 2021 Report of a Death Investigation near Bridge Street • June 7, 2021 Arrest on a Warrant near Biggs Road • June 8, 2021 Report of Theft 1 and Criminal Mischief near Bridge Street • June 8, 2021 Report of Criminal Mischief 2 near Bridge Street Citations/Other • June 2, 2021 Cited for Dog at Large near Heather Lane • June 2, 2021 Cited for Failure to Carry Proof of Insurance near Nehalem Hwy North • June 7, 2021 Cited for Driving While Suspended near Biggs Road Vernonia Police Department responds to calls that do not always end in Arrest, Report, or Citation. 06/01/2021 through 06/14/2021 VPD had 63 calls for service. added in parts of town, cross walks, and street lines painted in town, and see abandoned homes dealt with. Jennifer Anderson, Executive Director Columbia County Habitat for Humanity, addressed Council and pro- posed the City use American Rescue Plan funds that have been awarded to the City of Vernonia to help build a home on a lot purchased by Habitat for Human- ity in Vernonia on 6 th Avenue. Coun- cil agreed to discuss this item during an upcoming work session. Habitat for Humanity has built 11 affordable homes in Columbia County. They provide low interest loans and use volunteers to con- struct homes for essential workers who have a steady income and are required to put in 400 hours of labor into the proj- ect. Vernonia City Council Meetings and Closures Please check the City’s website for details on upcoming City Council Meetings scheduled for 7:00 pm: Monday, June 21, 2021 Tuesday, July 6, 2021 www.vernonia-or.gov City Closures are scheduled for: Monday, July 5, 2021 Independence Day Observed Dates and times subject to change NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE PLANNING COMMISSION Consideration of a Conditional Use Permit to allow both RV and Manufactured Home uses within the Riverside Park (combo park) with a total of 37 spaces on 16.25 acres File No. CUP 21-03 When: July 15, 2021 at 7:00 pm Where: See agenda for the hearing. This may be on-line only, it may be person, depending on the COVID restrictions in place at the time. The agenda will clarify. Why: The application seeks to allow both RV and Manufactured Home uses within the Park (combo park) with a total of 37 spaces on 16.25 acres. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Vernonia Planning Commission, will conduct a public hearing regarding File No. CUP 21-03. SAID PUBLIC HEARING will be held before the Vernonia Planning Commission on Thursday, July 15, 2021, see agenda for details of how to attend. The hearing will be at or after 7:00 pm, at which time proponents and opponents of the proposed Conditional Use Permit will be heard. A staff report will be available to the public at City Hall one week before the hearing and may be copied for a nominal fee. Failure to raise an issue in a hearing, in person or by letter or failure to provide statements or evidence sufficient to afford the decision-maker an opportunity to respond to the issue precludes appeal to the State Land Use Board of Appeals based on that issue. Public testimony is welcome, and written statements will also be received before the hearing. The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours prior to the public hearing to Stephanie Borst at 503-429-5291 ext. 105, TTY 1- 800-735-2900 or at City Hall, 1001 Bride Street, Vernonia, OR 97064. The City of Vernonia is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. What’s Happening at the Vernonia Library Summer Reading 2021 Sign up at the Vernonia Public Library anytime before July 17. For children, birth through age 14. Return your time log between July 26 and August 13 to enter prize drawings and earn a free book! Featured Performers in the Park Hawkins Park Mad Science: Tuesday, July 6, 6 pm What Do You Know About H2O? Learn with a Mad Scientist all the amazing attributes of water and the impor- tance of conserving. Jugglemania!: Tuesday, July 20, 6 pm With “Pixar- like” comedy, Rhys Thomas has performed in 30 different countries. Rhys has performed several times for the Vernonia Library and is a favorite with families. Penny’s Puppets: Tuesday, August 10, 6 pm Animals Got Talent! An original musical puppet play. Penny’s animals will sing, dance, and show off their talents, the audience gets to pick their favorite acts! Summer Outdoor Storytimes Library Courtyard Wednesdays, 10:30 am June 16 – August 25 Upcoming Closures Stories, movement activities, and crafts designed for children up through age 6. Themes vary each week, including: Pirates, Fairies, Circus, Bugs, Ocean, Dinosaurs, and more! Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 10 am - 5 pm Tuesday, Thursday: 12 pm - 7 pm Saturday: 12 pm - 5 pm Library Courtyard Activities Thursdays, 11 am July 1 - August 12 For families with children, preschool and elementary age Oobleck!: July 1 Chess and Board Games: July 8 Cake and Ice Cream Science!: July 15 Popped Bubble Art: July 22 Penny Spinners: July 29 Elephant Toothpaste: August 5 Ice Cream Party: August 12 Monday, July 5 in observance of Independence Day Current Hours & Contact Info: Outdoor pick-up cart is in service during all regu- lar open hours. Face coverings are required to enter the building. To request an accommodation, please contact the Library prior to your visit. Phone: (503) 429-1818 E-mail: library@vernonia-or.gov Website: www.vernonia-or.gov/departments/library/ Online catalog: https://vernonia.biblionix.com/catalog/